Vice Versa (2022)

I too wish to stop time right here

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: 110% Recommend tho♡

First to quote Talay's friend, Gyo;

"It's Puen's personal business who he dates. I'm just a fan not his master of life." Every toxic fan should take note when obsessing over their idols.

Now onto my gushing;

The scream I let out at that bonus scene in the finale. I'm gonna miss them so much, 12 weeks went by so fast. Them and everyone will be in my heart always, it's definitely a top BL for this year for me. Loved that we in a way got to see what everyone in the other universe is doing in some way. Also Puen and Talay building the Friend Credit studio warmed my heart but I'm sure they set fire to it that night. I'm definitely going to be rewatching it.

If there's anything I can complain about, it's the way they didn't swap between their real bodies and their souls enough to show us what people in the other universe were actually seeing wasn't actually Talay and Puen but Tess and Tun's bodies. Also the character development for Tess was non-existent but after what he did to Talay's life I didn't really care for him to be honest.

People may complain about Jimmy and Sea's chemistry but I thought that it was definitely there, they had me from the very beginning all the way to the end. Sure their kissing might not be up to everyone's expectations but for me what I love most is the intimacy shown in other ways like the meaningful stares, backhugs, sweet words and gestures done for one another. They warmed my heart and had me smiling from ear to ear every week... well when they weren't making me cry haha.

Having seen Bad Buddy and 55:15 Never Too Late, I was aware of how skilled both of them were in acting so it's no surprise to me that it turned out as well as it did. I felt every emotion from both and if I could, I'd erase my memory to watch it all over again new.

Neo, Aou, Boom and Pepper all did an amazing job too, gonna miss the friend group so much; They definitely became a new fave friend group in BL for me.

Ohm and Nanon did well with their screen time also. I know OhmNanon may be upset with how little they got and might judge the series by that but I hope they let their minds and heart be open enough to let Jimmy and Sea in.

Music; 10/10 I love Sea singing the Ost and the songs sung by Jimmy & Sea throughout the series very much.

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Feel-Good Story of 2022

This drama is getting a lot of undeserved criticism in the review section, so I feel obligated to leave a review of my own. I put off watching Vice Versa for an entire year because of its reception despite it being fantastic! It's thoughtful, beautifully shot, heartfelt, well-acted, and fun. It's fun! I wouldn't describe it as a comedy, but it's lighthearted in its use of cameos and other GMMTV show easter eggs. The plot contrivances are familiar tropes taken straight out of any web novel (which makes sense considering the story is based on one), but everything is handled with an earnestness and integrity that allows the story to feel resonant. It is fiction and you do have to buy into the worldbuilding, but Vice Versa makes it easy for viewers to do so. Also, the scriptwriting team also worked on the critically-acclaimed My School President, so you know that they're good at what they do. Please give this show a shot and watch with an open mind.

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Perfect with One Exception

I was hesitant about watching this series because of the parallel universe concept. This type of storyline can get really confusing, very quickly if the script is not done correctly. Thankfully, Episode 1 proved this would not be the case. The script executed this very well (minus the product placement). They did a really good job making slight changes to create the parallel universe. Usually, I don’t like time jumps, but this series handled it well. It also helped the story progression. The acting was very good and the cast did an awesome job with their characters. I will admit the relationship development between Talay and Puen can be a little strenuous at times. However, it was very refreshing to have them actually talk out their problems like two adults instead of them brewing/sulking over things for 6 episodes. The cinematography was done very strategically in helping the audience understand the character switches between Talay/Tess and Puen/Tun. The sets and the locations they used throughout the series was great.

The only exception that was not perfect was the product placement. At first, it was not that bad. Unfortunately, it gets worse from episode 7 on. There were times I just skipped the scenes.

Random Note: I thought it was funny how the passwords were from previous BL series.

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Color Me Shy

I will start off by saying that I am aware the suggested rating and my actual rating do not match up. What started as a promising drama with a fun and unique twist quickly lost its way and floundered badly before managing to find its way in the end and conclude on a positive note. The good beginning and ending, decent to good acting and exceptional OST and the emotions it left me with are what led me to give it the rating I did. However, if you're looking at it from strictly a critical standpoint, it definitely gets a 6.5.

The synopsis states that after encountering accidents, Talay and Puen, find themselves in an alternate universe in the bodies of Tess and Tun, respectively and learn that Tess and Tun are now in their universe living in their bodies. These two, who would never have formed a relationship in their universe, come together in an effort to make it back home and in the process fall in love. It's a fun concept with huge potential. The problem is that the synopsis isn't really what happens. Their goal to make it home falls to the wayside for a significant portion of the drama and instead the plot revolves around their sudden aspiration to become screenwriters with their new friends.

Honestly there were parts of it that I didn't mind. I enjoyed the groups' friendship and seeing them come together and overcome obstacles as they pursued their dreams. For me though, these should have been two different dramas. Talay and Puen are literally ripped from their lives, dropped into an unfamiliar world with unfamiliar people and within a very short span of time, we're expected to believe that everything's great, they're adjusted and living perfectly normal lives. Um, no. I can generally go with the flow pretty well, but in this case, the absurdity of it was too much. Finding yourself alone or, in this case, very nearly alone in a completely unfamiliar place is scary, its stressful and confusing. Those initial emotions were just completely glossed over. And Talay at least was shown as having a close knit group of friends, he had family, yet at no point does he really mention them or say anything about missing them. This is where the drama really fails because instead of going off on the screenwriting tangent, the focus should have remained on the body and universe switching, exploring how Talay and Puen adjusted to their new lives, their thoughts and feelings, how they are affected differently by the change. For example, Puen's reluctance to go home is explained eventually, but because it takes so long, it lacks the emotional impact it could have had if it was mentioned sooner. That focus on their adjustment to their new world would have created more opportunities for their relationship to develop and grow not to mention creating some fun opportunities to show the differences between the two universes. The screenwriting could have stayed played a part, but a significantly smaller one, something for them to do so that they appeared normal as they looked for a way home. And finally, I would have liked to seen how Tess and Tun fared in Talay and Puen's bodies. Obviously they found each other and reconnected and I would have liked to have seen that. Again, I think bouncing between the two universes and the two pairs as they actually tried to make it home would have been a much better option. Plus, more Ohm and Nanon acting.

Another aspect that became a major annoyance was the product placement. I would have thought by now I would be used to it, but they really took it to the next level here. It wasn't too terrible at first, but they kept notching it up a couple levels every few episodes it seemed like until it was just impossible to ignore. It honestly killed some scenes for me because they were more focused on selling the product than they were on selling the story they were telling. That was just disappointing.

I enjoyed the romance between the two leads. The development felt overall pretty natural. My one qualm is that there is a time jump of a year and it doesn't feel like their relationship has a year's progression. Otherwise though, I really liked the portrayal of a healthy relationship. I was really impressed with their overall communication. They actually talked to each other, had mature conversations, and sought to work things out. There was also an equality to their relationship. It wasn't just one constantly taking care of the other, they took care of each other. I found that to be refreshing and I just really enjoyed their dynamic.

I feel like I'm going to be in the minority with this, but I found the vet storyline to be incredibly annoying, mostly because of how unrealistic it was. Unless vet med is vastly different in Thailand than it is in the US, vets are not running fancy clinics like that by themselves with no staff, nor are they letting volunteers waltz in and start handling patients with absolutely no clue as to what they are doing. That is a huge liability. And when Fuse grabbed Lucky after he'd been hit by the car, all I could think was, Sir, you are so lucky that dog didn't bite your face off because it was in pain. As a former vet tech, I spent most of those scenes with my face in my hands just shaking my head.

The acting was overall not bad. Jimmy has improved significantly since Bad Buddy but he does seem to struggle with keeping his expressions nuanced. I felt he could be a bit one note at times. More emotional scenes were also hit or miss for him. Sea I liked for the most part. I felt his acting was more dynamic than Jimmy's and a bit more refined. However, he also struggled with some of the more emotional scenes. Their chemistry together though, was excellent, no complaints there.

The OST is phenomenal, in particular the songs Sea and Jimmy sing. They can both sing and they can sing well. Those two songs are absolutely highlights of this drama for me along with the rest of the music. I feel like both those songs really capture the heart of the drama and what it should have/could have been.

I really liked how color was woven throughout the story, from the title of each episode which I thought was quite clever to the significance it took in Talay and Puen's relationship. It gave it all a certain beauty and its the one reason I would go back and rewatch this drama, because I feel like I probably missed some aspects of it.

Ultimately this drama just couldn't quite live up to the story it set out to tell. It has some sweet moments, some great scenes, but unfortunately those are almost bittersweet because they just remind you of what it could have been.

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Once you start, you can't get enough of it. Rookie actors that served me a great series.

First off, I really didn't have plans of watching this series. I watched the mock trailer during GMMTV 2022 and tbh there was no spark b/w Jimmy and Sea. I only supported it because of OhmNanon and Jimmy (Wai in BBS) BUT, I've seen a few BL watchers say how underrated this show is so I gave it a chance. Boy am I so thankful for giving this a chance.

The first episodes had OhmNanon mostly so I got no problems with it since I love these two so much. The next episodes focused on JimmySea and I was skeptical, but the more I watched it the more that I was getting hooked. Jimmy and Sea may be rookie actors so I understand they're still lacking at the acting department but these two really ate and served their roles up. I don't think I can see anyone portray Puen and Talay better than Jimmy and Sea. Jimmy's acting improved from when he acted as Wai in Bad Buddy Series so he impressed me on this series so much. As for Sea, this is the first time I'm actually seeing him but my first impression of him is good. These two has so much potential and I need GMM to help them hone their skills more. These two can make it big.

JIMMYSEA'S CHEMISTRY IS OVERFLOWING!! Nobody can convince me otherwise (anyone who says these two has no chemistry needs to get their eyes checked idc)! As I have said before, I didn't see any spark between Jimmy and Sea during the mock trailer but watching the series proved me wrong. These two are made to be each other's acting partner. They absolutely fit so well. P'X has good eyes for pairing these two together.

For the plot, I'm not a huge fan of multiverse but this one got me hooked. This was refreshing to me compared to the few multiverse movies/dramas I've watched. I love how they insert a few lines from different series so it was exciting in my part. This series gave me goosebumps, made me cry, made me laugh, and even made me annoyed (Tess I'm glaring at you rn). It was so good. It's making me sad how underrated this series is.

OSTs were all so good! This is like the 2nd series I've watched where I didn't skip the opening and ending credits. Jimmy and Sea's singing voices are fitting for the songs. I'm glad they sang the osts. It made me feel more emotional!

Rewatch value would've been 10/10 but the ad placements were too many (although I found them funny). They could've toned it down a bit, but I guess they needed to do it or whatever.

Anyway, Vice Versa is definitely one of GMM's underraated gems. You have to give this a go. This is one of GMM's best work. I hope a lot of people appreciate this more because this really deserves the attention.

I'm looking forward to JimmySea's new series Last Twilight. I'm sure it's going to be great again. The plot already looks so promising and JimmySea fits the role so well. I know they're going to give their best and they're going to eat those roles again. JimmySea with P'Aof will save my 2023.

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Vice versa- in the world(s) full of product placement and praises for GMMTV.

Don't get me wrong. Despite this unfavourable title I do not really hate this series. I am just a little disappointed by it. Well, Vice Versa was one of the series I was really looking forward. I really like Jimmy and his visuals, so I was kinda hyped when I saw teaser and later on the trailer. Moreover, there were also Ohm and Nannon in the series so what could have gone wrong? What about [almost] everything? Vice Versa is created similarly to other series from GMMTV (we have interesting two first episodes where we have presented kind of plot, later we forget about that- at least 7-8 episodes is devoted to love, love, love and again love and finally in the last episodes creators recall themselves that we had supernatural theme in series, so they present it very shortly and not really sophisticated in the last episodes not forgetting that it must be also some drama somewhere between all of this). I hoped for a moment that it is going to be the fantasy story with love elements but it turned out to be rather another way round- it was romcom with few fantasy elements. I am not really OK with that because if we cut out the whole body swap and alternative world's themes, we are left with the same boring, very mediocre story about two boys who fell in love with each other which we saw many times in GMMTV productions. Main problem of this series is that it is too long- this story does not have a potential to have so many episodes (it should have at most 8 episodes and the sense would still remain the same). I had an impression that most episodes were only fillers (for example, I don't even know how many episodes about making film or even two films) and VERY INVASIVE product placement scenes for drinks, cookies, motorbikes, toothpaste and of course KFC- some scenes were created only to present a certain product and not for the plot itself what is sad and frustrating at the same time. I also think that this drama was a perfect opportunity to GMMTV to prise itself and to show off by pulling out of the closet the most popular GMMTV stars like Tay Tawan, Gun Athapan, mama Goji or Perth (but here I am grateful for that) and many others together with the most recognisable lines from the most popular productions of GMMTV like " Together” or “Sotus”. The whole alternative world was created only for this purpose. Icannot help thinking that this series is so GMMTV- made unlike any other series ever made by it. I agree, at first it was funny but later it became tiring and pathetic. The worst thing for me is that the plot was completely bungled I think the concept was good and had potential on the paper but not in this form on the screen. However, there is one and only aspect I like in this series- the chemistry of main leads. Even though they are rookies, they did a good job they were comfortable with each other and really sweet (even though some scenes were also cringy and cheesy). I disagree with many people who claim that Jimmy plays bad I just think he lacks of experience and I am waiting for his another projects as a main lead. Sea was okeyish and I really like his acting. Other characters were also good but nothing special. The important issue: Ohm and Nannon- It was good to see them again and I think their appearance in the series was the main reason why loads of people decided to watch Vice Versa at all but their screen time was painfully short and I guess viewers were thirsty for more. Overall, it was not the worst series I have ever watched but not good either, it could just have been better. I don't recommend and I don't advise against it. For me just mediocre BL with unfortunately wasted potential.

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Soulmates

When it first came out I stopped watching after about three episodes because I found it uninteresting. Most BL’s that I see tend to lack true romance, but this one didn’t. I decided to give it a try because someone mentioned the love between the two characters in this was so real. And it is true, this shows depicts a beautiful romance that rarely has the chance to be seen in other BLs. It is not only about two people falling in love, but about two soulmates finding each other. And the love between soulmates is certainly incomparable to the other.

The acting was not the greatest, but it was good! Sometimes a bit over the top and sometimes it didn’t deliver, but when it wasn’t either it was very good and I enjoyed it. The chemistry between Jimmy (Puen) and Sea (Talay) is also very impressive considering that they were both quite new to GMMTV (and acting) when they filmed.

Despite the many flaws that this series has and the crazy amount of advertisements, it is genuinely enjoyable. I found myself getting attached to the characters (a little too much), and caring about them. The cinematography was also amazing! The attention to detail, the colors, it was very pleasing to the eye.

The main flaw is that the fantasy aspect is very weak. Although, if it were strong I feel the story would have taken a dark turn (like I would have gone insane if the body and universe switching happened to me). I wondered so many things about the fantasy element, and I believe not focusing so heavily on it made it light-hearted lol.

If you want to feel happiness and exist in delusion for a little while, I definitely recommend this. It was gorgeous in that sense.

It made me happy for a moment, and that is a rare occurrence for a show to bring to me.

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It is a must watch series!!

I know everyone's been saying this but this series is worth the watch! I've watched until ep7 and for what can i say about this series is that it has made me laugh, giggle like a high school girl, cried and frustrated but in a good way. This indicates that this series has has made an impact towards the audience. The chemistry between the character is just chef's kiss too! The concept, the storyline and the vibe of this series is top tier in my opinion. Im getting tired of the engineering student love story, so watching this is like a breath of fresh air. Jimmy and Sea's relationship and chemistry in this are very natural it's like they've known each other for the longest. Last but not least, it may seem like a small and insignificant detail but the location choice is really genius as it is one of those film that has unique places in scenes.

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It began with an intresting premise, but fell flat

Premise was very interesting and I was gripped from the start. However, it became obviously that we won't get any progress when it comes to the story about universes. Story revolves around main characters and very little is developed besides that. I was disappointed they didn't use guest actors for anything more than pure fan service. Also, things that were changed in other universe could've had more purpose.
I was expecting more from side characters in the end and not necessarily in romantic area. I am alright with not knowing their stories after returning in main universe, but all other relationships and connections felt unfinished.
My biggest pet peeve that repeats through many series is wiping each others mouth or face, which is clearly done in multiple takes, where wiped substance mysteriously disappears.
Many scenes with leads felt repetitious and didn't bring story forward.
Overall, I can accept it for what it is, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

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"I don't know what you look like, I don't know who you are, but I like you."

I'm someone who loves anything to do with transmigration and body swapping tropes, so when I first saw the mock trailer in GMMTV 2022, I was immediately enamored by this show and added it to my PTW list. I first started watching around the period when EP8 aired, thinking that it had already finished airing, and was ready to binge, only to realise too late that I was wrong. However, the show was just so 'my-type', that I couldn't help but immediately watch all episodes and anticipate the next one every week.

Some things I especially loved about Vice Versa were the use of colours, considering Talay's career as a colourist, as well as how the characters were written and their dynamics. With each episode came a new colour, not just for its title, but also for the colour scheme of that episode's scenery and Talay's outfit (his outfits as Tess never failed to slay, honestly). That made Vice Versa all the more visually pleasing and meaningful for me. And with regards to the characters, many of them appealed to me, especially all 4 of the boys in the Friend Credits team. Talay, who's a closed-off but sensitive colourist. Puen, the flirty actor who's lonelier than anyone else. Up, the moodmaker who never fails to make people smile. Aou, serious yet always sweet. It was even better when Kita and Fuse were thrown into the mix, making the six of them all the more powerful as a group who would always be there for one another.

I'd also found myself smiling and even squealing a lot at PuenTalay whenever they had moments on the screen together, and especially alone. And in that sense, I felt that Jimmy and Sea truly brought their characters to life while playing them. You could always really see how much Puen and Talay loved each other, even through their eyes, and I think that's something really powerful especially for JimmySea who are rookie actors. Their chemistry was amazing and I'm really looking forward to their future projects next year!

Music also was an important factor in Vice Versa, especially considering that PuenTalay connected over the songs from their universe in the very beginning of their relationship. I just thought that 'Have I Found' and 'By My Side' were very well used throughout the series, even growing on me even though JimmySea's singing voices aren't... really my favourite (though that goes for a lot of GMMTV OSTs where the actors sing it too). Other than that, I also really loved the use of 'City' by Three Man Down! There can't be a more appropriate song for PuenTalay, and that song always gave me the goosebumps when played in the show.

But then again, there were also many points in the story itself that stood out the wrong way to me. I felt that it lacked proper world building and loses its plot halfway through, although it seems to have found itself back towards the end (which I feel might be a trademark of Jittirain?). What I mean by that is that in the beginning, PuenTalay appear to be finding ways to go back to their own universe, which they do by trying their best to look for their portkey. However, in the middle, it ends up with the two of them simply working on making a successful movie with the rest of the Friend Credits team.

In my opinion, I think the plot would have developed better in the middle had they filled in some plot holes, which would have better answered some questions. Some major ones for me were - how and why the body swap and parallel universe travelling happens, as well as the whole premise of a portkey (it was always pretty vague and didn't exactly match with the way Puen actually got back home).

Vice Versa also lacked in developing the stories of some important side characters, which may have been understandable considering the time constraint had they left out 50% of the product placement (I only forgive the ones for Lays and some of the OK Mama Noodles ones). By the end, I found myself wondering what happened to Pang after the success of Romantic Non-Comedy. Did she find her portkey and go back? We never saw her after that, nor do we see her in PuenTalay's universe, even though she was pretty important to PuenTalay's development as a couple. How Tess and Tun somehow made up in their world was also a little questionable for me, considering how Tess appeared to have been an ass to (not only) Tun for the two years in Talay's body, but I guess I can assume that Talay solving Tess' life issues for him had a part in that.

Overall, I would say that anyone who's debating whether to start the series or not should definitely give it a try despite its flaws, especially if you aren't the kind to nitpick on details. It's a feel-good show with very fluffy moments and a lot of kisses, and I see myself rewatching my favourite scenes, just not Vice Versa in its entirety, often!

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What a way to make it through

Vise versa is one Bl series that I'm not going to forget in my life. I have been watching Bl series for over a year but Jimmy and Sea are the first couple I'm shipping. Many people dislike this show for the reasons that I love ? it.

1, Vise versa plot: Vise versa is a slowly moving story, sometimes the plot progress at a snail pace,yet in it do I find my comfort! The trailer is misleading and I should inform you that the plot is just about Puen and Talay have this in mind before watching this Bl series. Hardly any exciting event occurs though Ep 6 ending may make you cry. However if you love a Bl series about friendship you will find this Bl series to your liking.
2, The Couple: the main reason I like Vise versa is cause of Jimmy and Sea characterized as Puen and Talay. There's no enemy to lovers situation, there's no stark chemistry between them, there's no kiss until we drop situation, rather there's a subtle but firm chemistry between the two, there's this maturity and understanding that they both exhibit that makes me feel happy, they're not just lovers but also close friends, they're not out to show that they love each other but when they look at each other you can see the love their and at the same time that hesitation when they kiss...that feeling that they are nervous,that they're not sure of what they're despite sleeping in the same bed and using the bathtub the same time. Jimmy's acting actually improved, his Smirk usually makes me to giggle or laugh or smile. Sea is also another good actor who potrays the character of Talay well, he's not sure what is going on between him and Puen till episode 9 but he cares for Puen despite not knowing him. He Goes to look for him at his parents' house, he flirts around with him and treats him like his boyfriend despite not knowing his true name . Jimmy wishing to stay back and not return is very realistic, he has no friends in his world and he just found Talay a true friend who he slowly falls in love with. Another thing that endears me to this series is how Talay and Puen residing in Tess and Tun's bodies took it upon themselves to actually advance their hosts life. Talay improves Tess's grades in school,helps Tess's father and brother in running the company. At first Puen does not to care about Tun's life until he was reprimanded by Talay, Puen will go ahead to achieve Tess's dream of being a Screenwriter. It's not surprising that Tun's parents truly love. Their loyalty to their host bodies is sharply contrasted in ep 5 with a man who returns from their universe and finds his life ruined by the guy who occupys his body. Ibelieve that Puen and Talay showcase the type of love that I did like to have.

I find their friends in the alternate universe true friends, I can see the reason why Talay and Specially Puen doesn't seem interested in returning to their universe. I feel jealous of Tess and Tun , they're always there to help or cheer up the couple. Kits and Fuse are two friends you can rely on they're ready to help Talay achieve his dream. Up and Aou who belongs to the same team with Talay and Puen... Friends'
they credit will make you laugh,they produce the sort of comedic effect that makes you laugh or smile at their childish acts. Jupjaengdied in this series but in all Bl series I have never found a character so open and understanding of others remaining optimistic even in the face of depression, her death shook me cause I wasn't expecting. Phuwadol is another true friend of Talay and Puen always there to support them, I'm sad ? she never got to confess her feelings to Jupjaeng , who I'm sure is her Portkey.

Cinematography: everyone including critics and haters of this Bl series agree on this subject.The colors, the lighting effects, the scenes and Talay's flash dress are all perfect. There's simply nothing to criticize here.

Music ?: I love the intro music it conveys the meaning of this Bl series and it's perfect for vise versa.
In conclusion you will either like this series with passion or hate it with passion, but I belong to the former, Vise versa is among the top ten best BL series I have ever watched.

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